Tactical Analysis: Porto 1-1 Benfica

One of the biggest and most competitive derbies in world football, Benfica would make the trip away to Porto's Estadio Dragao for a mid-season battle. After expectedly strong starts to the season, following excellent transfer windows for both clubs, this early season matchup between two title contenders was highly anticipated. With Nuno's newly integrated positional play facing the rigid defensive muscle of Rui Vitoria's 4-4-2, it was sure to be an intriguing clash.

Porto used a pragmatic 4-3-3 shape. Casillas was the goalkeeper, with a back four made up of wing-backs Maxi Pereira and Alex Telles, who flanked central defenders Marcano and Felipe. Danilo played as Porto's 6, with Otavio and Oliver Torres right and left interiors respectively. Jesus Corona and Diego Jota played inside forward roles, with Andre Silva the central forward.

Benfica compact 4-4-2 was deployed. Ederson Moraes the GK. Right-back Nelson Semedo, Eliseu the left-back, with Lindelof initially being partnered by Luisao at the heart of defence, before an early injury to the Brazilian saw him subbed for Lisandro Lopez. Salvio and Cervi were wide midfielders, whilst Samaris and Pizzi played as central midfielders. Mitroglou and Gonçalo Guedes were the team's strikers.